What if social media didn’t lock us up in online echo
chambers, exploit users for their data, wasn’t funded by
advertising or dictated by algorithms and didn’t exist to line
shareholder's pockets? What if, instead, it actually did what it
says on the ‘social network’ tin? Help build and strengthen
communities? That’s the vision for Campfire
Convention, a new kind of conscious social media that
works for its members – and seeds new ideas and social change for
the benefit of all.

In the wake of the Facebook / Cambridge Analytica scandal,
it’s now clear that the 'surveillance capitalism'
model of social media as an advertising platform is unsustainable,
built as it is on monetising data. The full implications of us
choosing a digital advertising platform as our presumed safe space
in which to spill all our most intimate thoughts, hopes, fears and
passions are only now being realised. It creates a forum in which
the owners of a gigantic operation rule the social media world,
arguably the wider world too, for their own ends and for
shareholder profit.

So I am proposing a radical new model for social
networking and pitching the level of our appeal at £25k to
start to do the ground work around the upgrade that is needed so
that we can put a Karma plan in place along
with launching a platform cooperative, when we will also be
inviting members to buy a stakehold.

I’m Pete Lawrence, co-founder of
TheBig Chill festival which
gave early exposure to the household names like Lily Allen,
Goldfrapp, Amy Winehouse, Gotan Project, Mr Scruff, and Röyksopp.
And in the past I’ve been included in Time Out’s Top 100 ‘movers
and shakers’ alongside the likes of Ricky Gervais, Gordon Ramsay,
Madonna, Brian Paddick, Ken Livingstone and Tony Blair. All well
and good. But my roots remain in the grassroots.

My background is music and events. In my late 20s I set up the
independent record label Cooking Vinyl, which
became infamous for a field recording of an American folk singer
recorded in very DIY fashion around a campfire at a folk festival in
Texas. That recording, which cost £1 went on to sell nearly a
million copies and establish the label as a maverick force in the
burgeoning roots and world music scene.

The Big Chill started by inviting 150 friends to a Sunday
chill out club in north London. It grew by word-of-mouth, and
almost by accident, to a 40,000 capacity festival, known for
pioneering new evolutionary entertainment. We were the first
festival to have a website in the UK, the first to webcast and the
first to have a thriving online community, many of whom connected
and collaborated on a daily basis.

It was through the Big Chill's flowering that I saw the power
in community, and people uniting around a purpose or common
interest. This led me to explore further how communities can make
a difference, so for the last decade I have been inspired to
evolve a new form of social networking.

Enter Campfire Convention. Bridging the
divide between on- and off-line, and giving virtual and
face-to-face interactions equal weighting. Already Campfire's
events all over the UK have shown those who have attended the
value of meeting in person, being in the physical presence of
others and feeling their passions, respecting their ideas and
viewpoints. We have developed a core network of quality
contributors and are already syndicating the writing of key
thinkers and commentators such as George Monbiot, Daniel Pinchbeck and Kate Raworth. In the
real-world space, we’ve had inspiring conversations, lit Beacons
around the world, and sparked new projects ranging from musical
collaborations to launching a Citizens’ Assembly initiative.

Bringing people together has been the common thread through my
life's work. My way is to join the dots, then step back and watch
the sparks fly. It’s never been more urgent to ignite synergies
around social change and conscious transformation. Join me as we
light a beacon for hope in the dark called Campfire Convention.

The Campaign

Myself and a small team have spent the last four years
building the site to the soft launch stage. At a great personal
cost, we’ve succeeded in inspiring a growing team of volunteers,
writers and event trailblazers to come together to build something
of value. We’ve started to grow a network of support around us
including people like Brian Eno, our first Patron.
Now, we’re ready to take things to the next level – and push the
platform closer to its full potential.

It’s time to get the help we need, and to reward our team for
their efforts. This is where this crowdfunder comes in.

The Next Phases

1 ) Handing the torch on to our members : Not
just in improving the way our global Beacons operate but in terms
of empowering our membership to step up and build resources
together via shared ownership. By backing this campaign you are
enabling our Karma Scheme, which aims to
reward creativity and kudos with points that translate into a real
profit share based on activity and feedback around your ideas.
(Phase 3, this campaign)

2 ) Developing our Mentorship Circle :
Unlocking our potential through the sharing of skills
and passions. We're offering our first mentorship sessions in
this crowdfund but also intend to pilot our first Trailblazers
weekend retreat in June in Devon around this concept. (Phase 4,
launch summer 2019)

3) New social innovation : 2020 Vision : A
Project proposed by our patron Brian Eno will encourage creative
ideas and new ways of rethinking democracy and the machinery of
community. (Phase 5, launch spring 2020)

4) Building editorial and content : We are
already syndicating the writing of key thinkers and commentators
but are well positioned to develop our own news and magazine
section as a journalistic voice in its own right. (Phase 6, launch
autumn 2020)

5) Building the Ecosystem : Enabling our lead
developer Tim to pioneer new ways of working with open source
approach to software with Campfire as a hub that can benefit other
like-minded communities working for social change by offering them
an out-of-the-box solution for building their own social network.
(Phase 7, launch spring 2021)

Campfire is well placed to play its part as a force for
significant social change and is supporting the work of
communities such as Extinction Rebellion, We Own It, Building
Bridges For Peace, Flatpack Democracy, The Tree Conference,
Sortition Foundation, Red Brick Building, The Alternative UK and others.

It would be easy for me to walk away from the project and
enjoy a quiet life but there is a burning passion within me that
knows this can work, that Campfire can be an important model for
future directions in community social networking.

That's why I can't ignore the fire in the belly that drives me
to make this work for everyone to develop new frameworks and
community connections that help speed up this transition that is
already in progress.

Campfire isn't a service, it's a community initiative, which
focuses on building something that we can all benefit from rather
than 'what's in it for me’

The Landscape

We already have a track record. We do have an active network online
and membership is steadily growing by word-of-mouth, even though we
are still pre-official launch. We are already organising face-face
events. Our early Beacons are already looking at templates for
organising productive meetings, working out how to stage citizen's
assemblies and getting involved in initiatives with the homeless.

We have a Firestarter (me!), working full time, a few
occasional contributors and volunteers and one part-time
developer. Although not comparable in any way, Facebook, as of
December 2018 has 35,587 employees.

The Impact

I realised through my Big Chill years that communities can
make a big difference in terms of social cohesion, mutual support
and frameworks for engagement.

Campfire, like The Big Chill before it, is about interaction
and fun - but there is also a deeper purpose. It can offer real
life experience in a community setting, learning from practical
experience around events, opportunities to create, co-ordinate or
join groups and initiatives. Campfire is positioned to facilitate
the process of social change and that change starts with each and
every one of us, the way we choose to live our lives and how we
interact with those around us.

My track record usually comes back to bringing people
together. At a time when people need to come together and talk
more than ever to make sense of the rapid change in the world, not
all of it welcome, we need to be finding ways to find common
ground. This has been brilliantly articulated by our member Vicki Burke.

"I believe in the one hundred monkeys theory: that once
enough of us have learned how to step into the new way, as we are
all connected, we all step up together. We can begin to heal and
start to function as a society based on love and compassion."

We can develop new ways of communicating and co-operating.
Annabelle Macfadyen wrote this excellent article onthe need for good
conversations.Good conversations, good collaborative
work and good practice can make a difference and help us to build
a better world together.

Here is DJ Greg Wilson's take on Campfire:

Risks & Challenges

If we don't reach target at least we are rewarding some of the
amazing voluntary work that has been put in building the site and
overseeing the software upgrade. Tim, our developer, will get first
call on the funding, having put in weeks of due diligence when he
could have been earning a crust with any number of other projects
and we thank him for having the belief and optimism that we can get
to where we want to be.

We are testing the water on this funding round to see if we have
the support and the encouragement from enough people to join us on
this journey. If this funding initiative works, then a new world of
possibility opens up for community social networks and a true
alternative. We already have the next five phases mapped out.

This is all about handing on to the community and shaping a truly
modern co-operative that can pioneer a new model for a community
network as we enter post-capitalist environment.

Here's DJ Norman Jay's take on Campfire:

Other Ways You Can Help

If you're not able to chip in to help, that's no problem. Campfire
has a policy, wherever possible, of offering free bursaries to our
events and also a free membership option to those who can't afford
to contribute.

You can help us by sharing this campaign on social media with your
friends or telling them about our community. The campaign also has
some amazing perks attached - all members of
Campfire offering their time and skills with events, 'how to'
sessions and forums for passing on their knowledge and enthusiasm to
support the Campfire cause.

Word of mouth got us this far and I believe personal
recommendation is the best way of all to take us further.

I thank you for believing in this dream. Together we can make it real.

We will be spending the weekend shooting the story of the Great British Seaside in Dorset. We will be shooting portraits, landscapes, abstracts and everything in between and you will also be learning the art of photo journalism and digital publishing. We will also be putting together a digital magazine that will showcase all of the participants work. Working alongside myself and my fellow photographer, Andrew Bell, you will learn the art of telling visual stories and creating stunning photography projects. The cost for the two day workshop is £210 which includes two full days of photography in Swanage. You will need to book accommodation. View last workshop here https://issuu.com/andyscaysbrook/docs/f8__1-2

Join us online to talk Social Media For A New Age, as author Katie Brockhurst shares her latest research on the future of social media.

Mark Zuckerberg recently wrote that the future of social media is a move from the Town Square (Facebook/ Instagram Newsfeeds) to the The Living Room (Messenger apps, groups and subscription based models )… Here we will also consider the Campfire as an alternative/ complimentary space for your social media activities and strategies.

Social Media For A New Age : From the Town Square to the Living Room to round the Campfire.Tuesday 16th July 2019 17:00 - 19:00 pm via Zoom £25

If you would like to use social media in more meaningful way; authentically & confidently creating and sharing content to support you, your ideas, your business, your mission… And if social media stresses you out, makes you feel overwhelmed or obligated to use it to promote yourself or your business…. This session might just be for you.

An afternoon of relaxed and sometimes challenging play exploring vocal improvisation.

Date: Sunday 30th June 2019, 14:00 - 17:00Venue: The Naval Room, The Archangel, FromeFor up to 12 people

We’ll loosen up our voices, sing, throw caution to the wind and express parts of ourselves that may be shy but won’t be able to resist. Using fun games and structures for accessing and liberating sounds, grooves, words and feelings, we’ll build up rich vocal soundscapes, interacting with our inner voice and with each other.

The session will suit people who already have some confidence in singing, or other forms of improvisation, and are ready to stretch themselves a bit. It's not really a 'find your voice' kind of workshop, although you may well find it, along with other things you didn't know were there.

Mark your support of campfire with some quality merch! These 100% organic cotton, fair-trade t-shirts will be hand printed to order by a Zappa-esque artist based in the hills outside Lisbon; a land where eagles soar in clear blue skies, lizards flit between baking rocks, and ancient vineyards produce a fine local nectar. Each will be signed/stamped by the maker - Lucas Almeida. Beyond limited edition - these are works of art. Available in a range of colours and sizes, in female / male cuts.

Mark your support of campfire with some quality merch! These 100% organic cotton, fair-trade t-shirts will be hand printed to order by a Zappa-esque artist based in the hills outside Lisbon; a land where eagles soar in clear blue skies, lizards flit between baking rocks, and ancient vineyards produce a fine local nectar. Each will be signed/stamped by the maker - Lucas Almeida. Beyond limited edition - these are works of art. Available in a range of colours and sizes, in female / male cuts.

It is exercise in disguise! Discover the fairy being within and bring it out. Loads of strong conditioning exercises, with plenty of time to achieve some cool tricks and poses. Some base fitness and strength is advised to get the most out of this session.

Following the traditional principles of Yoga with a western contemporary twist. This will be a fairly strong vinyasa flow class with a beautiful yin session to balance the yang.Venue : Red Brick Building, GlastonburyDate : 22 June 201910:30 - 15:30Food at 4pm

We're offering a small number of Volunteer tickets for our 5 day Campout in Somerset. They include camping for four nights and all entertainments, in return for a minimum of 4 hours volunteering at the event.

Date : August 28-September 1st 2019Venue: Field 725, near Frome, Somerset20 tickets available

Venue : Community Learning and Resource centre, Wimborne Date : Sunday October 6th10am-2pmNo of people : 3 Join us in the kitchen to create a two-course vegan lunch. Prior to the session, we can explore with you what sort of food you'd like to cook. Let's sit down and enjoy the meal together. Go away with a recipe card, full tummy and a culinary experience.Sound Kitchen is Wimborne’s first fully vegan cafe. Organic produce and sourced locally where possible.Gluten and nut free options always offered.All food cooked with intentional love. 10% of all profits to grass roots charities.

Come and join me around the Campfire in my garden in Lyme Regis. I will be giving a talk about my work, my inspirations and my experimental arts practice that I have been developing over the last few years.

Yoga is not just a series of asanas, it is an ancient practice with the fundamental aim of training the body to be able to sit in meditation for long periods of time. The basis of the practice is based around the 8 Limbs of Yoga and the Yamas and Niyamas. These practices are often lost in some of the modern yoga on offer but they are incredibly helpful in assisting us in developing a more peaceful way of living.This one day workshop is offered to those seeking a deeper understanding of what causes the stresses and imbalances in daily life and how to utilise ancient wisdom to bring greater harmony and gratitude into daily routines. We will look at the benefits of rituals and how to develop our own, the creation of altars and there will be a despacho fire ceremony to round off the day.Vegan lunch is included.£100 - full day with full proceeds to Campfire

Kimm Fearnley is opening her home at the beautiful south coast for a one day workshop on writing from the heart.

Date: 3 November 2019Venue: Poole, DorsetFor up to 8 people

You can find examples of her work on Campfire where she aims to delve deeply into her senses to produce copy that invokes emotions in the reader.

The day will start with a simple heart opening ceremony and meditation and tea followed by an Awakening Senses Walk and note taking. There will be a vegetarian lunch provided with the afternoon dedicated to putting pen to paper.

Her work as a healer and yoga teacher as well as being a former-journalist enables her to combine these skills to provide a safe space to explore the blockages that stop us from writing deep from our hearts.£100 - for a full day. all proceeds to Campfire Crowd Funding

This will be a 2-night B&B style weekend stopover in Buxton in August with an accent on the outdoors, with an invigorating walk on the Saturday as a sample of what Buxton has to offer. Wholesome home cooked food and good conversation...

Date: Friday 9th - Sunday 11th August 2019, from 18:30 on the Friday to 17:00 on the SundayVenue: Buxton, DerbyshireFor up to 8 people

Possible activities include:1 Hill walking in stunning Derbyshire countryside. 2 Tour of the town on foot or on the Buxton electric ‘Tram’.3 A visit to St Anne’s church in Higher Buxton: the oldest building in town and time out in Scrivener’s Bookshop – one of the country’s most interesting secondhand bookshops.4 A visit to Buxton Museum and The Green Man Gallery.5 A backstage tour of Buxton Opera House followed by a visit to Buxton Taphouse to sample some unusual local ales.6 A visit to Poole’s Cavern, followed by a stroll up through Grinlow woods to Solomon’s Temple for good views of the town.

With lots of stories and anecdotes, as I recount going self employed at 28 and then working through each of my three major projects, Cooking Vinyl label, Big Chill festival and now Campfire Convention.

This informative and engaging course will provide much of the knowledge and essentials for putting on events, together with sharing my 30+ years experience within the events industry, including festivals and corporate events.

As part of the Campfire Mentorship Circle I am happy to announce that I will be offering a weekend course based around events - discussing all aspects of event management including financials, legislation, planning, delivery and promotion of events whether for 30 or 3000 participants. I have chosen a Peaks self catering location as the base for the course, providing an insight into the planning and execution of a small learn shop event.

The shape of the weekend will include;- Sessions on specific topics delivered by myself- An interactive look at specific event projects that participants have.

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